Investing Habits and Interests of International Business Students in Finland
Launiainen, Vertti (2020)
Launiainen, Vertti
2020
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2020052814949
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2020052814949
Tiivistelmä
This Bachelor’s thesis examines investing habits and interests among International Busi ness students across Finland. The goal of the research was to find out what kind of investment and savings options the students engage in. Another primary objective was to compare behavioural differences between nationalities and to find out what prevents students from investing.
This study includes a theoretical framework and a primary source in the form of a survey. The theory of this thesis looks into various investing options and fundamental investing theories such as modern portfolio theory and the capital asset pricing model.
Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used in this thesis. The survey disturbed to eight Universities of Applied Sciences across Finland. 98 students of 18 different nationalities responded to the survey. The results were analysed with the help of SPSS. The survey gathered data regarding the students investing options, goals, behaviour, risk tolerance and preventing factors.
The results of the survey showed that students prefer savings accounts and stocks the most. Students had a long-term focus in their investing and saving. The attitude of the population towards risk was neutral. Finnish students showed more preference towards passive investments and were less sensitive to fluctuations. Students across the whole population strongly felt that there needs to be an increase in investing education and services.
The literature studied shows that financial understanding among young people is low around the world. The survey showed that a major reason for not investing is not having enough knowledge or information. This finding was supported by the observation that students wanted more education and services on the topic. Universities play a big role in this especially when the students chose universities as their most preferred information source. Basic and practical education regarding investing should be increased in the curriculums of Universities of Applied Sciences. Companies that offer investing and saving services should work with universities to introduce the subject more to students. This type of cooperation can be mutually beneficial.
This study includes a theoretical framework and a primary source in the form of a survey. The theory of this thesis looks into various investing options and fundamental investing theories such as modern portfolio theory and the capital asset pricing model.
Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used in this thesis. The survey disturbed to eight Universities of Applied Sciences across Finland. 98 students of 18 different nationalities responded to the survey. The results were analysed with the help of SPSS. The survey gathered data regarding the students investing options, goals, behaviour, risk tolerance and preventing factors.
The results of the survey showed that students prefer savings accounts and stocks the most. Students had a long-term focus in their investing and saving. The attitude of the population towards risk was neutral. Finnish students showed more preference towards passive investments and were less sensitive to fluctuations. Students across the whole population strongly felt that there needs to be an increase in investing education and services.
The literature studied shows that financial understanding among young people is low around the world. The survey showed that a major reason for not investing is not having enough knowledge or information. This finding was supported by the observation that students wanted more education and services on the topic. Universities play a big role in this especially when the students chose universities as their most preferred information source. Basic and practical education regarding investing should be increased in the curriculums of Universities of Applied Sciences. Companies that offer investing and saving services should work with universities to introduce the subject more to students. This type of cooperation can be mutually beneficial.